Clasp for envelopes and the like



April' l0, 1945. w. P. CAMERON CLASP FOR ENVELOPES AND THE LIKE FiledMarch 5, 1943 11 llllll '.lllll "D" llllllllll mu -A\\ Patented Apr. 10,1945 r-izgATENT"A O'FFIcE' CLASP FOR ENVELOPES LIKE Winamp. cameron,Washihgtqido. c.

Application March 5, 1943, Serial No.f478,1,4l

2 claims. (ci. 22a-Jrs)` This invention relates to a clasp for envelopesand like closures and it consistsv in the constructions, arrangementsand combinations herein described and claimed.

' It is a particular object of the invention to provide a clasp devicewhich may be repeatedly actuated to permit opening and closing of anenvelope nap, without liability of breakage of the clasp.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a clasp which willeffectively secure the envelope ilap against accidental opening andmaintain the flap in proper closed relation with respect to the envelopeper Se.

It is a still further object of the invention to provide a clasp whichmay be stamped from sheet metal and which may be readily incorporatedupon an envelope, portfolio or the like with but slight change in theenvelope, etc.

Additional objects, advantages and features of invention will beapparent from the following description, considered in conjunction withthe accompanying drawing, wherein,

Figure 1 is a fragmentary rear plan view of an envelope having my claspinstalled thereon, in closed position.

Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary'plan View of an envelopeillustrating the clasp in open position, the closed position beingindicated in dotted lines.

Figure 3 is a cross section on the line 3-3 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a top plan View of an anchor plate employed in the clasp.

Figure 5 is a vertical section on the line 5--5 of Figure 4.

There is illustrated a fragmentary portion of an envelope II! of usualconstruction, embodying a closure iiap I I, at one end, although thisconstruction is not arbitrary, since the clasp may be readily installedupon portfolios in which oppositely swinging closures are employed, andsince these are well known and widely used, detailed showing is notbelieved necessary.

The flap II, in the present instance, is pro-v tion with the back of theenvelope.

The clasp I-B consists of an anchor member I'I, which as clearly 'shownin Figures 4 and 5, comanchor plate Il.

prises a metallic plate substantially circular in plan from whichradially extended prongs I9 are extended. The prongs are arranged indiametrically opposite pairs and are bent at right angles to the plate,so .that the prongs may be readily inserted through the back portion I5of the envelope. After insertion inthe back portion, the prongs I9 arebent inwardly so as to extend parallel with the back portion and beneaththe ln the clinched position of the prongs, the anchor member will besecurely xed to the back portion.

Medially of the anchor plate Il there is formed an integral annularcollar 2i! adapted to rotatably mount a resilient clasp arm 2i, which isformed with a hub 22 to receive the collar therethrough. The upper endofthe collar is peened or otherwise upset as indicated at 23 so as toretain the arm thereon. It should be noted that the plate Il is of thesame thickness as the material forming' e the flap I I so that the clasparm 2l may clear the latter, yet lie in snug engagement therewith whenin closed position.

The anchor plate Il is positioned medially of 9b the arcuate-shapedopening I2, and the arm 2| is of a length slightly less than that of theslots Ill so that the flap II- may be readily-moved into position overthe arm 2 I.

The arm 2| in the present instance, is formed in the general shape of anaeroplane propeller, respective blade members 24 being integrally formedwith the hub. Extending longitudinally of each blade there is a raisedrib 25 which will permit ready grasp for effecting rotation of the armto secure or release the closure flap.

In order that the arm 2| may be retained in its desired position, theanchor plate is provided with four circular recesses 25 equally spacedbetween arranged so as to register and engage with a similarly shapednib 2l formed in each arm 2l.

The closure of an envelope or the like may be quickly effected by merelyturning the arm 2| so as to extend across the opening I2 and when one ofthe nibs 21 engages within respective recesses 26 it will be firmly heldagainst accidental movement. However, due to the resilience of the arm,it may be readily sprung to release the nibs so that the arm may bemoved as desired.

The present showing of the clasp has been greatly enlarged for the sakeof clearness, and obviously the parts may be manufactured in suchproportions as to avoid any undue thickness and weight.

While I have shown and described my clasp respective pairs of prongs,and circumferentially medial opening and lateral elongated slots, am

anchor plate having prong elements for secure? ment to the body, anannular collarionitheaazrchor; y

plate, an arm rotatably mounted on the collar.t said arm being of alength lessthan that-ofthe* lateral slots for receptionthenewithinggandthavsing raised ribs adjacent respective ends, aplurality of spaced recesses being formed= in' 'tiieigo 'anchor plate,and saidlarm having a pair of nibs complemental to said recesses whenthe arm is moved to a position within the slots or transversely of themedial arcuate opening.

2. A closure fastener for envelopes and the like comprising incombination with a body and closure flap, said closure nap having anarcuate medial opening and lateral elongated slots, an anchor platehaving prong elements for securement. to.. the body.. an arm rotatablymounted on the ancliorfzplata` said arm being olf. a; length less thanthat of the I'ateral sTots for reception therewithin, and having raisedribs adjacent respective ends, a plurality of spaced recesses beinerformed lizrtdei anchor: plate, and said arm having a pair of nibscomplemental to said recesses when the armiemovedto a position withinthe slot or transverselufotthemedial arcuate opening.

P. CAMERON.

